2025 Soybean Variety Testing Report

This report summarizes the performance of soybean varieties in Pennsylvania. In 2025, we had trials in Centre County (full-season soybeans), Lancaster County (full-season and double-crop soybeans), and York County (full-season and double-crop soybeans). All trials were laid out in small plots in a randomized complete block design with four replications. Production details are described below for each trial. Yield was determined by harvesting the center two rows (full-season soybeans at 30-inch row spacing) or four rows (double-crop soybeans at 15-inch row spacing) with a research combine. The yield is calculated at a 13% moisture level that the near-infrared spectrometer is calibrated too. Harvest moisture refers to the actual grain moisture at harvest, determined by a near-infrared spectroscopy system housed in the combine. Harvest moisture can be used to compare the maturity of varieties of similar maturity groups. For example, comparing two varieties rated as maturity group 3.0, the one with higher harvest moisture likely has a longer maturity (requires more days from planting to harvest maturity). Test weight was determined through the combine’s weighing system. Height is determined after flowering is complete. The percentage of protein and oil in the grain was determined by near-infrared spectroscopy based on frequent calibrations with wet chemistry data at a grain weight of 13% moisture. Yield, harvest moisture, and test weight were assessed in all 4 replications, while the remaining measurements were taken from only one replication. Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was conducted within each trial for measurements taken on all replications. The Least Significant Difference (LSD) by Fisher's Test was calculated when ANOVA results indicated a significant difference between entries.

Using the LSD value

The Least Significant Difference (L.S.D.) value is derived from a statistical test and can be used to compare varieties within each trial in this report. If the difference between any two varieties exceeds the L.S.D. value, they are considered "significantly different." The L.S.D. value is expressed in the same units as the measurement in question. For example, if within a given trial, Variety #1 yielded 100 bushels/acre, Variety #2 yielded 80 bushels/acre, and the L.S.D. value is 10 bushels/acre, then Variety #1 yielded significantly higher than Variety #2 in that trial. The L.S.D. value can also be used to identify the "top yielding group" within a trial. For example, if the highest yielding variety produced 200 bushels/acre and the L.S.D. value was 50 bushels/acre, then all varieties that yielded 150 bushels/acre are not significantly different than the highest yielding variety and can be considered the "top yielding group" in the trial. The L.S.D. values can be calculated at different levels of significance. Higher levels allow for better separation between varieties (lower L.S.D. values) at the cost of committing the error of separating varieties that are not truly different. Lower levels allow less separation between varieties (higher L.S.D. values) at the cost of overlooking true differences. In this report, L.S.D. values are given at the significance levels of 0.05 and 0.02. Based on the strong arguments of Carmer (1976)[1] specific to using L.S.D. values in variety performance tests, we generally recommend the 0.25 significance level when interpreting results in this report.

York County Results

1 As reported by seed source. If blank, not reported.

The York 2025 growing season started out with a nice early planting window in April that worked out well for a lot of producers in the area. May started extremely wet, coupled with some cooler weather. Slug bait was applied to the plot in early June as the cool, wet weather continued. All this was followed by an extended dry period from late July through August and into September. After talking with our cooperator in the area, I think this contributed to some lower-than-expected yields within the plots. The soybean plots looked consistent and clean throughout the duration of the season, with little to no lodging. Unfortunately, our harvest was delayed due to a major breakdown with the plot combine, which pushed harvest back and likely pulled yields down a little.

¹The same seeding rate was used for all plots. We assume that germination rates are high and not significantly different across varieties

Lancaster County Results

The 2025 Lancaster growing season started out with a nice early planting window in April, which worked out well for many producers in the area. May started extremely wet, coupled with some cooler weather. Heavy rainfall and flooding took their toll on the plot, as we experienced major rain events on June 17 and 18, July 2, and again on July 14. This was followed by an extended dry period from late July, through August, and into September. Even with the flooding that took place, plots looked clean and exceptional throughout the duration of the season, with little to no lodging.

¹The same seeding rate was used for all plots. We assume that germination rates are high and not significantly different across varieties

Centre County Results

¹As reported by seed source. If blank, not reported.

Our 2025 growing season started out extremely wet, followed by an extended dry period from late July through August and into September. Plots looked exceptional throughout the duration of the season with little to no lodging.  We did have some timely rainfall in the latter part of August, which seemed to help with some exceptional yields at our Rock Springs location. 

¹The same seeding rate was used for all plots. We assume that germination rates are high and not significantly different across varieties.

Conventional Results

The 2025 Lancaster growing season started out with a nice early planting window in April, which worked out well for many producers in the area. May started extremely wet, coupled with some cooler weather. Heavy rainfall and flooding took their toll on the plot, as we experienced major rain events on June 17 and 18, July 2, and again on July 14. This was followed by an extended dry period from late July through August and into September. Even with the flooding that took place, plots looked clean and exceptional throughout the duration of the season, with little to no lodging.

¹The same seeding rate was used for all plots. We assume that germination rates are high and not significantly different across varieties.

¹As reported by seed source. If blank, not reported.

Our 2025 growing season started out extremely wet, followed by an extended dry period from late July through August and into September. Plots looked exceptional throughout the duration of the season with little to no lodging.  We did have some timely rainfall in the latter part of August, which seemed to help with some exceptional yields at our Rock Springs location. 

¹The same seeding rate was used for all plots. We assume that germination rates are high and not significantly different across varieties.

We sincerely thank these companies and breeders for their support of the Soybean Variety Testing Program this year:

[1] Carmer, S.G. "Optimal Significance Levels for Application of the Least Significant Difference in Crop Performance Trials."  Crop Science 16:95-99, 1976.

Individual trial data in tabular format:

• Full season (.xlsx)
• Conventional varieties (.xlsx)